IsraeliGirl

All that we ask for - let it be

As we approach Rosh Hashana, the beginning of a new Jewish year, let me wish you the fulfillment of your hearts' desires. Let this year be peaceful and happy.

As I was thinking of wishes I thought of a well known Israeli song, a prayer song "Lu Yehi" or "Let it be" that was written by Naomi Shemer 25 years ago, during the Yom Kipurim war in 1973. Shemer was inspired by the well known song "Let it be" by the Beattles.If you'd like to read about the history of this song click here (link is in hebrew).

Here is a beautiful performance of a beautiful song. So let's all pray together, all that we ask for, let it be.

Enjoy.

Israeli Cuisine book rings in new Jewish year in style

Do you know what Israeli cuisine is? Thanks to the diverse cultures that have contributed to Israel's population, including Palestinian, Eastern European, North African, Mediterranean and Spanish via the Ottoman Empire (where Spanish Jews fled to during the Inquisition), the cuisine is a vibrant mix.

http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-watch24-2008sep24,0,6150031.story

Mars Attacks - the Iranian Version

Sometimes actions speak louder than words. Ahmadinejad, Iran's president, will be coming again to the United Nations General Assembly. As he did the last time (UN Assembly and Columbia University in 2007), he brings a message - are we listening correctly?

 

The Israel you don't hear about

"The biblical Israelis were promised "a land of milk and honey". In reality since the Promised land had no water and no oil, the milk from the goats and the honey from the dates were the only liquids found."

 

To survive and create a thriving modern society Israelis have had to be creative. But survive they did and the result is a modern, prosperous and vibrant society.

 

But that's not what the story the media tells. When I travel abroad and tell people you I am from Israel I often get curious questions about living under siege, constant terror threats and in the desert. People just don't realize Israel is a western country offering all modern day conviniences as any state in the US or Europe.

 

Reading this article by Mr. Dow Marmur from Toronto has hit the spot for me.

It's about time the other side of Israel be exposed - the normal side of this beautiful state I call home.

 

http://www.thestar.com/article/502757

 

Auschwitz survivor comes of age

A Bar Mitzvah is a great milestone for Jewish boys and traditionally held around their 13th birthday. But for Arieh Czeislah there could be no ceremony as he was deported to Auschwitz. Now, age 79, he will finally mark the passage to adulthood.

 

An extrodinary tale of a remarkable man.

 

Israel poised for first female leader in 34 years

Israel's foreign minister declared victory Thursday in a tight race to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as the head of the governing party, getting a chance to be the country's first female leader in 34 years. WIll she be the next PM?

 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-09-18-Israel-leader_N.htm

Gaza is Starving! REALLY?

British journalist and peace activist Lauren Booth, sister-in-law of former British premier Tony Blair shops at a grocery store in Gaza City on September 3 - a well stocked grocery store that is.

 

http://www.daylife.com/photo/02uy2JZ8Uw445/gaza

Israeli Grape Harvest Creates One of the World's Great Wines

From biblical to modern times grapes grown on the hills of Israel were harvested to create top notch wines. In the times of the bible local wines were made to be drunk at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Today Israeli wines are enjoyed all over the world.

 

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=5768392&page=1

Sir Paul McCartney Stands By Israel

After announcing his plans to appear in Israel, Sir Paul McCartney was pressured to cancel his plans. According to some sources he was given death threats if he doesn't cancel the concert in Tel Aviv. However, McCartney confirmed his plans to appear as scheduled.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080911/en_nm/israel_mccartney_dc_2

Hugging Trees in Israel

Fighting global warming and increasing urban aesthetics, a new law in Israel forces contractors to plant a tree for every one they cut down. The new initiative reflects the vision of David Ben Gurion who said: "Destroying such a tree is to pull up human roots," he said. "No building or electricity is more important than a thick eucalyptus, an old sycamore, an oak woods. These are roots of man."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/09/israel-new-law.html